An Abuja high court has dismissed a privacy violation suit filed by Ali Bello, nephew to the former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.
The presiding judge, Sylvanus Oriji, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, stating that Bello, who serves as the chief of staff to the current Kogi State governor, failed to substantiate his claim that Akpoti-Uduaghan infringed on his fundamental rights to privacy.
The case originated in March 2024, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) published a post on X (formerly Twitter) announcing charges against Yahaya Bello over an alleged N84 billion fraud. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan tweeted from her handle, @NatashaAkpoti:
“Dear @officialEFCC why did you delete this post on Facebook after I commented and requested that you kindly help find my favourite storybook ‘The Defeated White Lion’ at No. 1 Dala Hills street, off Agulu Lake street, Maitama, Abuja.
“That White House was amongst the 14 properties you approached the court for forfeiture in December 2022. Don’t delete this tweet o. Thanks and God bless Nigeria.”
Bello subsequently filed a suit, alleging that the senator’s post violated his right to privacy by publicizing his home address. He sought a public apology and N1 billion in compensation.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji addressed three key issues: whether the X post violated Bello’s privacy, the appropriateness of the senator’s actions, and the prayers sought by the applicant.
The judge concluded that the address referenced in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s post was a public space and did not mention Bello’s name. As such, the court dismissed the suit, denying the request for compensation and a public apology.
However, the judge criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, noting that the publication of the house address and picture on social media was inappropriate.
“It is improper, reprehensible, and unconscionable for a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to post a picture of the applicant’s house and the house address in her X social media handle without just cause,” Oriji said.
“Such conduct must be and is thereby deprecated by the court.”